With the arrival of winter, dogs and cats must face lower temperatures, shorter days, and for many, less outdoor activity. These changes affect not only their behavior but also their nutritional needs, which can change significantly.
In this article, we analyze how to adapt your pet's diet during the colder months, with practical advice and suggestions on quality products such as Farmina, Applaws, and Fish4Pets, available in your shop.

Why does winter change the diet of dogs and cats?

During the cold months, animal bodies consume more energy to maintain a constant body temperature. This can lead to:

- Increased caloric requirements, especially for active dogs or those that often live outdoors.

- Greater need for quality proteins and fats.

- More attention to hydration, as many animals drink less in winter.

- Nutritional support for the immune system, which is under more stress in this season.

Not all pets have the same requirements: a young, athletic dog needs more energy than an elderly cat living in an apartment. But there are useful guidelines for everyone.

1. Increase energy intake (when necessary)

Some animals consume more calories to keep themselves warm. For them, it might be useful to:

- Slightly increase portions (5–15% depending on activity and build).

- Prefer feed with more quality proteins and fats.

- Use foods rich in easily assimilable nutrients.

👉 Recommended products:

- Farmina N&D Low Grain / Grain Free: excellent for increasing energy and nutritional quality.

- Applaws Natural Dry Food: high percentage of meat, ideal for supporting metabolism.

- Fish4Pets (Fish4Dogs / Fish4Cats): rich in fish and fatty acids, perfect for winter.

2. Increase Omega-3s and "good" fats

Omega-3s play a fundamental role in winter:

- They support skin and coat, often stressed by the cold.

- They support the immune system.

- They help joints and mobility (particularly in senior animals).

👉 Excellent foods rich in Omega-3

- Fish4Pets: naturally rich in oily fish, excellent for supporting skin in winter.

- Farmina N&D Ocean: specific fish-based line, rich in DHA and EPA.

- Applaws natural wet food: pure ingredients rich in essential nutrients.

3. Hydration: essential even in the cold months

Many owners don't know it, but in winter pets drink less.
This can lead to:

- More concentrated urine

- Greater risk of urinary infections

- Intestinal problems or constipation

How to increase hydration

- Supplement with quality wet food.

- Add warm water to dry kibble.

- Use bowls with slightly warmer water on very cold days.

👉 Useful products:

- Applaws Natural Wet Food (dog and cat): high moisture and 100% natural ingredients.

- Farmina N&D wet food: premium quality and balanced recipes.

- Fish4Cats wet food: tasty and rich in liquids.

4. Immune support: key ingredients

During winter, dogs and cats can be more exposed to temperature changes, humidity, and less activity.

The ingredients that help are:

• Vitamins A, E, and C

• Zinc

• High-quality proteins

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Natural antioxidants

Recommended feeds

- Farmina N&D Pumpkin or Quinoa: functional recipes with high-nutritional-value ingredients.

- Applaws Dry + Wet: rich in natural proteins to support the immune system.

- Fish4Pets: antioxidants and natural Omega-3s from fish.

5. Coat and skin: how to protect them from the cold

In the cold months, the coat can become dull and the skin drier.

To strengthen the coat, the following are useful:

- Diets rich in fatty acids

- Pure protein sources

- Feed with natural ingredients and few additives

Ideal products:

- Fish4Dogs or Fish4Cats → quality fish naturally supports the coat.

- Farmina N&D fish-derived → perfect for a shiny coat.

- Applaws with high meat content → natural protein intake.

6. How much should the diet change?

It depends on:

 - Age

- Activity level

- Weight

- Breed

- Actual climatic conditions

📌 Advice
Generally, it is sufficient to increase portions by between 5% and 15%, choosing richer feed. For very athletic dogs or those living outdoors, the increase may be greater.

Winter is a delicate time for dog and cat nutrition: their bodies require more energy, more hydration, and specific nutrients to stay in shape.
Choosing quality foods such as Farmina, Applaws, and Fish4Pets means guaranteeing your pet the right support to face the colder months with vitality.

All the useful and recommended products can be found on our site RESPET PRODUCTS